Modular construction is becoming increasingly common in the UK and enables the quick and economical construction of large residential or commercial projects using off-site prefabricated units, or modules, complete with electric and plumbing services, furniture and windows.
Over the last few months it has been hard to miss the rapid rise of the two towers at 101 George Street which now dominate East Croydon’s skyline. As a result of a joint venture between Greystar and Henderson Park, the finished towers will reach 44 and 38 storeys respectively and will, on completion, be the largest modular buildings in the world. The complex will contain an art gallery, roof gardens and a hub for local businesses and is expected to be complete in 2020.
The construction time, for this project, is expected to take only 24 months and the finished project will comprise 550 residential units. The modules are constructed in a factory in Bedford and then transported to site to be lifted into place by crane.
Greystar claim that the modules are produced using up to 80% less waste than the traditional alternative. The speed of construction and prefabricated nature of the units allows for a minimum period between off plan purchase and the property being ready for occupation, perfect for the investor.
This project is not the only modular development in Croydon, the construction of a 21-storey building on Addiscombe Road is set to be completed in Spring 2020 and will offer over 300 units with 153 affordable homes. Planning permission has also been granted for two further 24 and 26 storey towers on Dingwall and Wellesley Road. These projects form part of a wider renaissance in Croydon with the ongoing Ruskin Square development, renovation of the Fairfield Halls and the planned expansion of Crystal Palace football stadium.
